Before there were today’s “fashion” blogs, there were outfit of the day blogs. That’s how I started, actually, and still consider myself more of an “outfit”/shopping blog – I would never classify Grechen’s Closet as a “fashion” blog, although it’s an easy phrase I use to describe my blog when I meet someone new, before I go into my conscious/responsible shopping blogger spiel.

In 2004 when I started posting outfits, there were some of us already doing it in forums, on our own websites, etc., and most of us cut our heads off, or took selfies in the mirror at home or at work – with REAL cameras by the way, smartphones weren’t as ubiquitous as they are now, and they certainly didn’t have cameras!!

Early “fashion” blogs were chronicles of our outfits and a way to share thoughts on clothing/outfits/buying with like-minded people. Now, most fashion blogs are more like scripted and posed magazine shoots instead of authentic looks at real-life and in-depth thoughts on dressing for the day – in my opinion, anyway.

There’s room for everyone on the world wide web, of course, and I don’t begrudge anyone for doing their own thing, so I’m just going to keep doing mine. I’ve been rather hard on myself for not having better photos, and prettier outfit pictures over the years, but I keep coming back to the basics, because that’s where my heart is. And I know you guys don’t come here for the photos LOL.

So, I’m not going to stop trying to take better outfit pictures when I can, but I AM going to post more old-school mirror selfies of outfits the day I wear them. Because really, it’s not about the clothes, or the pictures, it’s about the thoughts and ideas behind the clothes, and the reasons we choose to wear/buy what we do. For me it is anyway. As you’re probably aware by now, I’m a very emotional dresser and love to write about my ideas surrounding clothing, and what I’m wearing in the moment.

This outfit though.

I like these jeans, because they make my butt look amazing. But I have a hard time with the button-fly sticking out so much, and how they accentuate my body: thick legs, saddlebags and small waist but a bit of a belly. It’s hard to get “used” to seeing my body in this way, but I’m going to try and just embrace it. They’re a little snug too, and don’t loosen up as much as I’d like them too.

And the James Perse cardigan/coat. I bought it when I got 20% off at James Perse during the partner’s card event here with some credit from a return and a little birthday money, and at the time I thought I was going to sell my Lauren Manoogian alpaca coat and was already thinking about a replacement. It was still too expensive, and a VERY emotional purchase. I wore it for the first time to/from/in Salt Lake City a couple weeks ago, and honestly am a little disappointed now with how “worn” it looks. It’s really warm, and I love the shawl collar and longer length, but man…it’s pilled like crazy, and just looks more shabby than I think it should. On balance, I really love it, and am glad I have it, but wouldn’t necessarily recommend it.

Oh, and in the background you will probably notice my Janessa Leone hat I got last fall. I wore it only a couple of times, and decided I was ready to pass it on, so put it up on SLOWRE this morning for sale. That’s another thing: I sometimes think I’d like to try and keep certain things, just to have, and wear infrequently, but I also see the value on letting them go. I decided recently to part with a few things I really like, but haven’t worn, and don’t see myself wearing as often as I want to because I’d like to be able to pass them on to someone else who will appreciate them. Maybe that’s more of an impetus in letting go than it should be, but I place a lot of value on passing things on, either gifting or selling.

At this point, I’m finished adding new items AND letting go of items for a while, just to sit with my wardrobe as is for a while. For how long, I have no idea…

How much does passing things on (either as a gift, or selling) to go to a “better” home influence your decision to let go of something in your wardrobe?

thanks for sharing 🙂

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Comments

I looove this cardigan, Grechen! It creates such a great silhouette. Who cares if it shows wear? Loved garments should show wear (as long as it doesn’t mean they are about to disintegrate, but that they simply look well-loved and lived-in).

Love this cardigan too. We are dressed very similar today. Same type of items and colors except I’ve got booties on instead of sneakers. I struggled with photos when I first started blogging and even took photography classes at a local art museum. Turns out I now love photography but I still don’t like pictures of moi (prefer to be behind the camera). I started blogging because I love writing and as I was blogging about design/lifestyle, pictures were a non-negotiable. I found your blog because I wanted to see how certain items fit that I was thinking of ordering online and I find your pictures/narrative very helpful and complete. I feel you are always very truthful too. There have been times I have ordered a startup or ecommerce item only to realize all the positive reviews received the item comp’d and they focused on the positive aspects only. Whether an item is worth the price is sometimes lost on a blogger who received an item for free. It’s also helpful you are near my age. Regarding your question of the day 🙂 (I love your questions btw): The fact that I can donate or sell an item doesn’t factor into my decision on whether to let something go but I often use the concept of “if you give it away to someone who can use it, then it is better than sitting unused” when helping others who have difficulty letting items go move forward with purging. For me, I sell my items at a fairly low price to move it quickly so the money received is never a motivation to let it go. It is more the desire to not be so overwhelmed by my things. My problem is more with acquisition and weight fluctuations rather with difficulties letting go. Although I do find the longer I have an item listed for sale, the less attachment I have to the desired price. At this point in time however I need to move in a few months so I am not listing anything at a higher price.

i always love your comments and thoughts tania! i see giving away/selling things the same way – i just hate the idea that things sit unused in my closet when they could possibly be well-loved in someone else’s. and i’m definitely not interested in making money off things, i usually lowball most items for ebay, or otherwise just try to price them fairly, and so that i can use the money to put back into the blog or into SLOWRE.

I let go of things pretty quickly once I notice I have not been wearing it. When I get something new that is in the current season, I try to wear it right away and for a few days in a row to test it out. If it is something that checks all the boxes, I don’t get sick of wearing it for a long time. I’ve learned this the hard way by saving new items for going out instead of my daily activities and those are the items I usually end up selling or donating. I still have a good handful of items that are exclusively for going out but now most of my wardrobe is worn on a daily basis. Then there are the rare gems that I loved when I saw it, wear it right after I receive it and remains as an all time favorite. When I look at my wardrobe inventory list, I would say only 10 items fit in that category. If only I had a crystal ball to predict what my wardrobe will look like in a year, I would save myself a whole lot of $$$$$.

if only…LOL i struggle with having some things to just wear for “special” occasions – like the leather jacket i got from reformation and haven’t worn yet. i honestly don’t see myself just “throwing” it on, but i do see myself wearing it “out” – like that happens very often… so I feel bad keeping it and not wearing it but a few times a year. and then again, i know i would regret it if i didn’t have it.

Gretchen, I LOVE that you’re going to keeping posting more “old-school mirror selfies of outfits the day (you) wear them.” Yay!! 🙂 Those are the features that have drawn me to your blog from the start– the honest, fresh and real chronicle of what you’re wearing day-to-day and why. They are the posts of yours to which I’ve always looked most forward and from which I always gain the most insight and help in making my own choices. ‘Course I still have masses of work to do with regard to streamlining my wardrobe as beautifully as you have, but I know it’s a process. I always feel so good when I can donate a bag of clothing I don’t wear to the Council For Jewish Women or the local cancer charity, and I’m striving to do that more and more and be more ruthless when it comes to jettisoning things that I don’t wear enough to justify having them in my closet. I’d so much prefer that others have the use or enjoyment out of them. I just get frustrated with my own inability to let go. I’m working on it, though. And your outfit posts help me. So thanks for the fine examples you set. And do please keep featuring those outfit posts. They’re my absolute favorites!!!

Grechen, I love your outfit! It’s actually similar to what I’m wearing today. I have the same jeans and love them, but they are quite snug and require breaking in. Just out of curiosity, what do you mean by them not being 100% cotton? I purchased mine from Anthropologie and the tag states 100% American cone denim, however, I did notice some of the other colors/washes (in the same style / make) were lower quality denim with stretch. Just curious as I was thinking about ordering a second pair. Thanks!

they are 100% american cone denim, but they are only 99% cotton, 1% elastane… (denim refers to the type of fabric/textile, not the cotton content, so the denim is 100% american made by Cone and then the jeans are manufactured in China)

everywhere online they’re labeled 100% cotton, except on levi’s site, which a reader pointed out. at least from what i’ve seen. i didn’t even look at my tag until a reader asked specifically if they were 100% cotton, and lo and behold, they’re not. take a look at your tag, i’d be curious to see if yours are! mine are the “classic tint” wash FYI

Thanks so much for your response. Grechen! I checked my tag and lo and behold you’re right – they’re 99% cotton, 1% elastane. However, as you mentioned, they were labeled as 100% cotton when I purchased them online. (They’re the ‘coyote’ wash.) I saw more of the Wedgie style in-store in black (which I was contemplated purchasing), but the fabric and overall quality is much lower.

Maybe it’s a reflection of my age, but the name “The wedgie Jean,” turns me off in a big way. I just can’t get past the mental picture!!! Plus, they are totally wrong for my larger waist, smaller hipped figure. And I KNOW this is my age, but I like my stretch! Don’t get me wrong, they look great on you and everyone else I see them on, I just have an aversion… 🙂

I love the look of your JP cardi/coat, but spending a lot on it and having it pill would really piss me off. I was looking at my friend’s oversized cashmere-appearing turtleneck while she was sitting in front of me at church (when I was supposed to be paying attn to my husband’s sermon…haha!), and I know she’s had it for a couple of years, but I couldn’t spot a pill on it! I asked her if it’s cashmere and she said no. But knowing her, it was pricey! So maybe she has the secret non-pilling sweater fabric and I just need to sleuth it out?

I think it’s very Marie Kondo of you to wish your inanimate objects a good home and much love in their future. 😉 Actually, when I donate, I ALWAYS feel better knowing that someone else can use it. And it makes sense to get rid of something that you tried but know in your heart just isn’t you. That hat did look cute on you, tho!

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